Babé Mineral SPF 50: my current favourite

If you've read my mineral SPF ranking, you know Babé came first. I use both the tinted (Color) and the untinted version, so this review covers both.

What the brand says

• 100 % mineral filters that reflect sunlight, with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.
• Photobiome™ (1 %), a prebiotic that supports the skin's natural defence against the sun, panthenol (1 %) to hydrate and soothe, and carnosine (0.2 %) as an antioxidant.
• Ultra-light texture; the tinted version adapts to all phototypes and instantly evens out the complexion.
• For sensitive, atopic skin and skin that can't tolerate chemical filters.

My experience

The best of the best. Babé mineral sunscreens spread beautifully, which is a real rarity among mineral sunscreens, and they don't sting my eyes. What I love most is how well they reapply: I can top them up during the day without build-up and without a mask-like look.

The tinted version (Color) spreads gorgeously. The downside is that it's dark, so on its own it isn't enough for us very fair girls.

The untinted version sometimes has lumps, so I give it a good shake before applying. That's why I usually mix them: tinted plus untinted gives me the perfect shade.

I don't like the packaging, because it can leak. I always keep it in a separate pouch in my bag.

What about nano titanium? I was almost sure Babé contains nano titanium dioxide, so I checked the official Laboratorios Babé site. And yes, the ingredient lists of both the tinted and untinted mineral versions say Titanium Dioxide (nano). The main filter is zinc oxide, which isn't nano, but the titanium is. For me that's a minus.

Tip: I order it from the Spanish site Care to Beauty because it's much cheaper there than in our pharmacies. That's where I buy all my Babé products.

Who is it for

For anyone looking for a mineral face SPF that applies and reapplies nicely, with sensitive, reactive skin or rosacea. Overall, the minuses are the too-dark tinted shade and the nano titanium, so 4/5, even though it's my current favourite.

Tops and flops

Top

• Spreads beautifully, especially the tinted version
• Reapplies beautifully during the day
• 100 % mineral filters, no chemical ones
• Doesn't sting the eyes
• Fragrance-free

Flop

• Tinted shade is too dark for very fair skin
• Packaging can leak
• Untinted version sometimes has lumps
• Titanium dioxide in nano form

Rating

★★★★★★★★★★4/5

Babé Mineral Super Fluid SPF 50 (Color and untinted)

Frequently asked questions

Does Babé mineral SPF contain nano titanium dioxide?

Yes. On Babé's official ingredient list titanium dioxide is marked as TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), while zinc oxide, the main filter, is not nano. This applies to both the tinted (Color) and the untinted mineral version.

Can Babé mineral SPF be reapplied during the day?

Yes, and it's one of its biggest strengths. It reapplies beautifully, without pilling or building up.

Is tinted Babé SPF good for very fair skin?

The tinted version is too dark for me. I mix it with the untinted version from the same line to get a shade for very fair skin.

Is Babé mineral SPF good for rosacea?

It's my current favourite for sensitive skin with rosacea. The brand also recommends it for atopic skin and skin that can't tolerate chemical filters.